Christmas Dessert Bread: 5 Ways to Delight Your Holiday

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 24, 2025

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There’s something truly magical about the scent of freshly baked Christmas dessert bread wafting through the house during the holiday season. This sweet, spiced loaf is like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was captivated by its simple ingredients that transform into something so festive and delightful. You see, it’s not just bread; it’s a centerpiece for your holiday table! I love how the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits creates a burst of flavor in every bite, reminding me of cozy family gatherings and laughter around the fireplace.

What makes this Christmas dessert bread so special is its versatility. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven, slathered with butter or cream cheese, or even toasted for breakfast the next day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect baking project for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Trust me, once you make this bread, it’ll become a cherished tradition that you’ll look forward to every holiday season!

Ingredients for Christmas Dessert Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this festive masterpiece. Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s get baking!

3 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bread, giving it that delightful structure.
1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! This helps balance the spices and adds to the lovely golden crust.
1/2 cup butter, softened: Real butter is a must for richness and flavor. Let it sit out to reach room temperature for easy mixing.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture to the batter, keeping your bread soft and tender.
2 eggs: These are your binding agents, giving the bread its lovely lift.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: The comforting spice that screams holiday cheer!
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg will elevate the flavors, making it taste like Christmas in every slice.
1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries): These little bursts of sweetness add a delightful chewiness and festive color throughout the bread.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a truly special Christmas dessert bread that will fill your home with warmth and joy!

How to Prepare Christmas Dessert Bread

Making this Christmas dessert bread is a delightful journey filled with the warm scents of the holidays! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that will have your kitchen smelling like a festive wonderland in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until well blended. This is where the magic begins—mixing these spices creates an inviting aroma!

Now, in another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re frothy. Then add in the milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract. It’s crucial that your butter is softened; it helps create a smooth mixture when combined. Trust me, the texture of your bread will thank you later!

Next, gently combine your wet and dry ingredients. But here’s a tip: don’t overmix! Just stir until everything is moistened, and you can still see a few flour streaks. This will keep your bread light and fluffy. Once combined, it’s time to fold in the dried fruits. I like to use a mix of raisins and cranberries for that pop of color and flavor, but feel free to get creative with your favorites!

Now comes the fun part! Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, making sure to spread it evenly. This ensures a nice rise and a beautiful crust. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. The smell will be heavenly! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential because it prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. After cooling, slice it up and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Christmas dessert bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas dessert bread is not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making it:

Incredible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits creates a symphony of flavors that taste like the holidays in every bite.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip this up with confidence!
Perfect for Sharing: This festive bread makes an excellent gift for friends and family, spreading joy and deliciousness wherever it goes.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it fresh, toasted, or with a spread of butter or cream cheese—there’s no wrong way to savor this delightful treat.
Festive Appeal: Its beautiful golden crust and colorful dried fruits make it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.

Once you taste this bread, it’ll become an essential part of your Christmas traditions!

Tips for Success

Creating the perfect Christmas dessert bread is a joy, but there are a few tips that can make your baking experience even better! Here are my go-to pieces of advice to ensure your bread comes out just right:

Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. Use the spoon and level method for flour—scoop it into your measuring cup with a spoon and level it off with a knife for the best results.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly and contributes to a light texture in your bread.
Avoid Overmixing: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and nobody wants that! You should still see a few flour streaks.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool Properly: Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy on the bottom.

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious Christmas dessert bread that you’ll be proud to share!

Variations on Christmas Dessert Bread

The beauty of this Christmas dessert bread lies in its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or to use up what you have on hand. Here are a few delicious variations to consider:

Nuts: Add a crunch by folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They not only enhance the texture but also bring a lovely nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Different Dried Fruits: Switch up the dried fruits to include chopped dried apricots, cherries, or even a mix of tropical dried fruits for a unique twist.
Spices: Experiment with spices! Try adding a pinch of allspice or ginger to give your bread an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens up the bread.

Feel free to get creative! Each variation can turn this festive bread into a new holiday favorite that your family will eagerly anticipate each year.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Christmas dessert bread fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for about 3-4 days, though I bet it won’t last that long! If you want to keep it longer, you can slice it and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. It should stay tasty for up to 3 months!

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, there are a couple of great ways to reheat it. For a quick fix, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, toast it in a skillet or a toaster oven until it’s warmed through and a bit crispy on the edges. Trust me, this little step elevates your bread to a whole new level of cozy deliciousness! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into each slice of this Christmas dessert bread! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Each slice has approximately:

Calories: 230
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 12g

With a delightful balance of sweetness and spices, you can savor each slice knowing it’s a treat worth every calorie during the festive season!

FAQ Section

As you embark on your journey to make this delightful Christmas dessert bread, you might have a few questions bubbling up. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. However, you might want to adjust the liquid slightly since it absorbs more moisture.

What if I don’t have dried fruits on hand? No problem! You can substitute with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, or even use fresh fruits like mashed bananas or applesauce. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture a bit.

How can I make this bread gluten-free? You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free!

Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just be sure to divide the batter between two loaf pans to ensure even baking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.

What’s the best way to store leftovers? I recommend keeping it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice and freeze it for up to 3 months!

If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!